With its abundant coat and penetrating gaze, the Siberian cat has become one of the most popular and beloved feline breeds in the world. His balanced temperament and physical characteristics have also made him one of the ideal companions for all types of people. However, although it is a very old cat breed, it was not officially recognized until the 90s. Do you want to know why? In this PlanetAnimal sheet, we will explain everything you need to know about the Siberian cat, its characteristics, character, care and curiosities.Not to be missed!
Origin
- Europe
- Russia
- Ukraine
FIFe Rating
- Category II
Physical Characteristics
- Thick Tail
- Big ears
- Strong
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 5-6
Life expectancy
- 18-20
Character
- Active
- Affectionate
- Shy
Climate
- Cold
Hair type
- Medium
- Long
Origin of the Siberian
" The Siberian cat belongs to the category of forest cats, along with the Maine Coon and the Norwegian forest cat, specimens of this breed lived in the thick forests of Russia and Ukraine. It is believed that this breed comes from the cross between domestic cats brought to Russia and Ukraine and wild cats from the Siberian forests. This is why it is also called the Siberian forest cat."
This breed seems new given that no records mention it before 1871. There was also no official pedigree for this breed until 1987 and the World Cat Federation did not recognize it there a few years ago. The expansion of this breed therefore occurred from the 90s. This can be explained by the fact that the Soviet regime prohibited the ownership of pets, so farmers who owned Siberian cats did secretly.However, its origins seem to go back more than a thousand years ago. In Russia, they were usual companions of nobles, being very present in the most distinguished palaces of Imperial Russia. Therefore, it is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, despite what its official documentation says.
Characteristics of the Siberian
Without a doubt, the most representative physical characteristic of the Siberian cat is its lush coat composed of three layers much more developed than what they can be in other breeds of cat. This incredible fur is a consequence of the extreme temperatures of the Siberian region where he had to survive. Consequently, the hair that covers the whole thing is hard and it is a little shorter at the level of the legs and its chest, it is however considerably long at the level of the head and the belly. He also has very long hair between his fingers.
As for coat and eye color, all are accepted except chocolate and purple for the coat; when it comes to the eyes, amber and green are the two most common colors, and although blue can also occur, it is much rarer. Regardless of their eye color, they are rounded and distinctly expressive.
Its weight usually varies between 4.5 and 9 kg in males and females, although the latter are always slightly lighter and usually weigh 4 to 8 kilos while males oscillate more of a fork located from 5 to 11 kg. It must be taken into account that a Siberian will not reach his final height and weight until the age of 4 or 5 years, his growth being considerably slower than that of other cats. Also, since its hind legs are a bit longer than its forelegs, its back is slightly arched.
Character of the Siberian
If we talk about the temperament of the Siberian, it should be noted that this breed is characterized by its sociability and affability. Although his robust appearance can be impressive, he is a very affectionate cat who adapts well to the presence of his congeners as well as that of canines. The guardians of these cats tend to compare their behavior to that of a dog because they are waiting for them when they come home and they are in constant demand for attention and affection.
It is however important to specify that the Siberian can take a little time to no longer be shy in the presence of strangers. Therefore, if you are the happy new guardian of a Siberian, you will need to have a little patience at first as he may be somewhat distant. But don't worry as once he gets to know you he will want to spend hours playing with you and won't let you go! At first, the Siberian can be a little fearful by running away from any arrival in front of your friends who visit you, but as soon as he has gained confidence he will not hesitate to squat on your friends' knees to ask them for hugs.
Siberian Care
One of the cares of the Siberian that will require the most attention and dedication will be the maintenance of his fur. Given the length of his hair, it is advisable to brush him regularly to avoid knots and the formation of hairballs. Insist well on the belly and chest where the coat is hairier. 2/3 brushings per week should be enough.
Baths are another aspect to take into account, it is recommended not to give him a bath too often as this will eliminate the protective layer of fat that allows the isolation and impermeability of his fur . Too frequent baths favor the birth of respiratory pathologies such as feline pneumonia, in addition, from an aesthetic point of view, its fur would lose its sublime. As a result, it is recommended rather to make him take dry baths which, like the peeling, which is contraindicated for the Siberian for the same reasons as the bath, must be carried out by good professionals who, above all, ensure the he alth of our feline.
Siberian He alth
Due to their wild origin and because they have not undergone alteration by man, these cats are strong, robust and have iron he alth. Despite this, they can be affected by diseases common to all other breeds, diseases such as hypertrophic heart disease (enlarged left ventricular myocardium). Veterinary checks must therefore be frequent.
As for all other cats, it will be necessary to be attentive to the state of its coat, its claws, its mucous membranes and its teeth to detect and prevent diseases. Likewise, it is important to follow his vaccination schedule and deworm him appropriately, always following the veterinarian's instructions.
Curiosities
- Some legends assign these cats the task of guarding Russian monasteries.
- This particular breed likes to play with water, so be careful because as mentioned above it could be harmful to your he alth.
- Finally, Siberian cats are considered hypoallergenic cats because they do not produce a protein called FelD1, which is responsible for 80% of allergies.
Photos of Siberian
